“Nana technology” tools help seniors’ independence

We found a great article reported by Janet Kornblum from USA Today that introduced “nana technology”- a wave of technology being developed for older people who need varying degrees of help as they age. “Nano technology” aligns perfectly with AmeriCare Georgia’s goal of providing safe and comfortable in-home care services, as well as compliments our Life Alert Monitoring system that is already available to our clients.

Major companies such as Intel and Accenture are joining universities and research programs to develop household gadgets that will make aging in place easier. Ranging from pillboxes that remind you to take pills to robot nurses, these would be great gadgets for your aging loved ones to use in times their caregivers are not on duty or for unexpected situations.

Tracking systems: Several companies are in the process of developing tracking technologies for people who have illnesses such as Alzheimer’s Disease who are at risk of wandering and getting lost. The system monitors location, health and social interaction.

Intelligent telephones: Intel is working on a phone for people with memory problems. The phone uses caller ID to display a photo of the person calling, the relationship of the caller, and some notes about their last conversation to jog the memory.

“Smart pill dispensers”: These new pillboxes work with location sensors to give reminders at the appropriate place and time for medication. Users can program these boxes to flash, speak, and dispense when needed. If a dose is missed by 90 minutes, it will phone a caregiver.

Walking aids: Walkers are being developed that can steer away from obstacles and be retrieved by remote control. Oregon Health & Science University is also developing canes that can detect pressure or other warning sides to initiate an alarm when a person is in danger of falling.

Robotic Nurses: Carnegie Mellon University and Vecna Technologies of College Park are in the process of developing robots to help homecare workers lift people who cannot walk. With funding from the U.S. military, it will be able to lift and carry people with mobility impairments including injured soldiers and patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and in their homes.

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